PORTLAND, ORE. — Oregon Governor Kate Brown approved reopening for 28 of 33 counties in the state on Friday, May 15. The counties, which met all of Oregon’s safety and preparedness prerequisites for reopening amid a declining prevalence of COVID-19, will begin Phase One opening.
Additionally, all retail statewide was approved to open, except for shopping centers and malls in counties not entering Phase One reopening status. Retail businesses that are reopening must maintain social distancing and follow safety measures for employees and customers.
In counties approved for Phase One reopening, the following areas can operate if the business complies with sector-specific health and safety guidance:
- Restaurants, bars and other such establishments for dine-in service until 10 p.m.
- Personal services businesses
- All retail businesses, including malls and shopping centers
- Gyms and other fitness facilities
- Local gatherings of up to 25 people
The counties that have entered Phase One essentially include all those outside the Portland metro area. The state’s three largest Portland-area counties — Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas — did not apply to reopen on May 15, but are expected to apply in the coming weeks.
In non-reopening counties, the following new guidelines took effect or remain in effect beginning May 15:
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, credit unions and gas stations are all open
- Restaurants are open for take-out service only
- Stand-alone retail operations are open provided they meet the required safety and physical distancing guidelines
- Indoor and outdoor malls are closed
- Local outdoor recreation activities are open, including many state parks
- Non-emergency medical care centers, dentist offices and veterinary offices are open and operating, provided they meet required safety guidelines
- Local cultural, civic and faith gatherings are allowed for up to 25 people provided physical distancing can be in place
- Local social gatherings over 10 people are prohibited and those under 10 people must use physical distancing
- Personal care services, such as salons, barbers and gyms, are closed
- Childcare is open under certain restrictions, with priority placements for children of healthcare workers, first responders and frontline workers.
- Summer camp and summer school program guidelines are forthcoming